March’s breakfast offerings are $2.25 and lunch offerings are $3.25. An a la carte menu is also available throughout the year. For more nutrition information and breakfast menus, please view menus at: https://family.titank12.com/menu/LPX5UV
DATE
LUNCH ENTREÉ 1
LUNCH ENTREÉ 2
ENTREÉ 3/VEGETABLE
SEASONAL FRUIT
WED, MAR 1
Chicken Tenders & Tater Tots
Bagel Lunchbox
Beans & Sliced Cucumbers
Apple
THURS, MAR 2
Cheese Tamale
Cheeseburger & Fries
Corn & Seasonal Vegetable
Pear
FRI, MAR 3
Chef’s Choice
Pizza
Seasonal Vegetable
Seasonal Fruit
MON, MAR 6
Nachos with Beef
Hummus Lunchbox
Seasonal Vegetable
Seasonal Fruit
TUES, MAR 7
Edamame Potstickers with Veggie Fried Rice
Turkey Sub Supreme
Seasonal Vegetable
Seasonal Fruit
WED, MAR 8
Chicken Wings with Fries & Whole Wheat Roll
Yogurt Lunchbox
Seasonal Vegetable
Seasonal Fruit
THURS, MAR 9
Broccoli & Cheese Soup with Whole Wheat Roll
Chicken Enchiladas
Seasonal Vegetable
Seasonal Fruit
FRI, MAR 10
Chef’s Choice
Sunbutter & Jelly Sandwich
Seasonal Vegetable
Seasonal Fruit
MON, MAR 13
Crispy Chicken Leg with Mashed Potatoes & Whole Wheat Roll
Bagel Lunchbox
Seasonal Vegetable
Seasonal
TUES, MAR 14
Teriyaki Meatballs with Rice
Grilled Cheese with Tomato Soup
Seasonal Vegetable
Seasonal
WED, MAR 15
BBQ Brisket Sandwich with Fries
Sunbutter & Jelly Sandwich
Seasonal Vegetable
Seasonal
THURS, MAR 16
Creamy Pesto Pasta with Whole Wheat Roll
Roast Beef & Cheddar Sandwich
Seasonal Vegetable
Seasonal
FRI, MAR 17
Chef’s Choice
Hummus Lunchbox
Seasonal Vegetable
Seasonal Vegetable
MON, MAR 20
Mesquite Glazed Chicken thigh with Corn & Whole Wheat Roll
Pizza
Seasonal Vegetable
Seasonal Vegetable
TUES, MAR 21
Chicken Parmesan with Garlic Oil Pasta
Bagel Lunchbox
Seasonal Vegetable
Seasonal Vegetable
WED, MAR 22
Hot Dog with Fries
Sunbutter & Jelly Sandwich
Seasonal Vegetable
Seasonal Vegetable
THURS, MAR 23
Creamy Chicken & Pesto Soup with Ciabatta Cheese Melt
February’s breakfast offerings are $2.25 and lunch offerings are $3.25. An a la carte menu is also available throughout the year. For more nutrition information and breakfast menus, please view menus at: https://family.titank12.com/menu/LPX5UV
DATE
LUNCH ENTREÉ 1
LUNCH ENTREÉ 2
ENTREÉ 3/VEGETABLE
SEASONAL FRUIT
WED, FEB 1
Hummus Lunch Box
Sunflower Butter and Jelly sandwich
Carrot, Tomato, Cucumber, Celery
Banana, Apple
THURS, FEB 2
Mozzarella Breadstick
Cheeseburger
French Fries, Tomato, Broccoli, Corn, Cucumber
Banana, Apple
FRI, FEB 3
Yogurt Lunch Box
Chef’s choice
TBD
Pear
MON, FEB 6
Cheese Pizza
Turkey Sub Supreme
Carrot, Broccoli
Orange
TUES, FEB 7
Breaded Chicken Drumstick
Hummus Lunch Box
Celery, Tomato
Strawberry
WED, FEB 8
Yogurt Lunch Box
Lemongrass Chicken Potsticker
Cucumber, Black Beans
Banana
THURS, FEB 9
Bean and Cheese Burrito
Crispy Chicken Burger
Corn, Snap Peas, French Fries
Pear
FRI, FEB 10
Chicken Wings
Chef’s Choice
French Fries, TBD
TBD
MON, FEB 13
Breaded Chicken Drumstick
Breakfast for Lunch: Dutch Waffle, Omelette, Hash Browns
After School Programming is returning to Whittier Elementary this February! Register February 3rd!
Registration for all clubs will go live Friday, February 3rd at 3pm; registration information will be available here when registration opens: https://whittierptaseattle.org/after-school-programs-at-whittier/. Spots will be given on a first-come, first-served basis, so please be sure to mark your calendars! If you are interested in financial assistance, have questions, or would like to be a volunteer hero, please contact Jared at programs@whittierptaseattle.org.
THINGS TO CONSIDER
Prices range from $50 – $230 depending on the club
Spots are limited, so be sure to ask to be on the waitlist if classes are full.
The Whittier PTA only coordinates building reservations and hosts registration links for these independent enrichment providers. Please note: Whittier Elementary and Seattle Public Schools are not affiliated with or connected to the Whittier PTA Programs offerings or these individual program vendors. The enrichment providers will be managing registrations and schedules independently for each program.
AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES BEING OFFERED FOR WINTER QUARTER
MON
TUES
WED
THURS
Wildcat Players Musical (4-5) with Miss Steph – Cast A (2:25-4pm from 2/13-6/9)*
Gamer Group (K-2) with Mr. Buck (2:25-4pm from 2/28-4/25)
Ultimate Frisbee with the WUF Gang (Disc NW) (2:15pm-4:15pm for 1-1.5 hours, exact timing TBD from 3/1 – 5/20) at Loyal Heights Playfield**
Gamer Group (3-5) with Mr. Buck (2:25-4pm from 3/1-4/27)
Spanish Immersion with Jump on Languages (2:25-4pm from 2/27-4/24)
Wildcat Players Musical (4-5) with Miss Steph – Cast B (2:25-4pm from 2/13-6/9)*
*Whittier Wildcat Players Musical audition sign-ups will be on a sheet outside Ms. Steph’s classroom starting January 30th. Auditions will be held on February 6th and 7th.
**Transportation assistance not available. Offsite activities are independent and are not subject to Whittier PTA, or Whittier Elementary guidelines and standards. Please contact Disc NW directly for any information regarding their program.
The 2023 Spring Fling committee is seeking additional volunteers to help with the planning of the event on Saturday, May 20th! Open roles include an event MC, someone to help with food and beverage, as well as just general committee members to help out with other tasks. No prior experience necessary, we can help walk you through the details of what needs to happen. We have a fun and dedicated committee and would love to have you join us! Current committee meeting schedule is as follows:
Thurs Feb 9th – Zoom meeting
Thurs March 9th – In person meeting
Thurs April 6th – Zoom meeting
Tues May 2nd – In person meeting
Additional committee work to happen in between these meetings. Please reach out to Co-Chairs Courtney Sievers (courtney.k.sievers@gmail.com) or Renee Hartnett (rbishman@gmail.com) if you are interested or have any questions.
AFFINITY GROUPS:
LGBTQI+
Neurodivergent
Multiracial/ Multicultural
Create a group for a community not yet listed!
Affinity Groups play a vital role in ensuring an inclusive school environment where all are valued, included, and empowered to succeed.
Piloted last year, we are expanding the affinity groups offered based on community feedback.
Part of the Equity Diversity and Inclusion Committee’s goal of making Whittier a community where all children and families are supported to be their authentic selves.
Understanding SPS: Budgets, School Enrollment, and Fiscal Policy
If you haven’t heard, Seattle Public Schools is facing an impending budget crisis. SPS is predicting a $127.3 million dollar budget deficit for the 2023-2024 school year (compared to this year’s $10 million dollar projected deficit). While there’s discussion of using rainy day funds to improve the shortfall and some potential legislative wins (that could infuse $37.8MM into budgets next year), short-term solutions and small legislative gains don’t address the continued deficit projections for the years ahead.
During their third budget work session of the school year, the SPS School Board reviewed their initial budget balancing concepts. While budget plans for next school year won’t be confirmed until July 6, current plans primarily include reducing Central Office spending next year by $20-$36MM and reducing school-level spending by between $9-$11MM. What’s school-level spending? This budget work session first identifies cuts to “Cert Core” staffing (or 0.5 FTE allocated to schools with significant enrollment for an additional counselor, librarian, nurse, or teacher), increasing sizes of K-3 classrooms, reducing school discretionary funds and Assistant Principal support, and another $1.9MM in “school programmatic changes.”
Remember–Whittier’s current budget from SPS doesn’t fully fund the staff and services needed for our Wildcat scholars, including literacy support, a full Specialist schedule, adequate nursing and social worker staffing, sustainable teacher discretionary funds, and more (in fact, we weren’t assigned the allocated part-time Assistant Principal this year due to “budget”). Whittier PTA, through generous community fundraising, fills this gap–and it’s likely that SPS’ “school-level” reductions slated for next year will mean an even bigger gap to fill.
Washington State funding, representing roughly 60% of SPS’ total funding, uses enrollment for its allocations. The downsides to enrollment-based funding is that it neither considers the minimum cost of running a school of any size or in higher costs areas (the facility’s costs, essential staff required for the facility and by law, etc) nor does it help schools or districts find funds to “bounce back” from declining enrollment.
When examining SPS’ own school line-up in our broader North-end area, the challenges of this model become obvious. (With a few exceptions) schools featured in the chart below are all Tier 4 schools per SPS’ own weighted funding model and should have similar per student spending. However, the minimum cost of running a school drives up the per student funding dramatically, meaning schools with more enrollment (like Whittier) have to help more students with fewer dollars to spend on each one compared to their under-enrolled counterparts.
While not considered for next year’s budget, the School Board’s budget work session did address the idea of school consolidation for the ’24-25 school year. They discussed a “system of well-resourced schools” and identified its process to begin work on school consolidation would begin “next fall” (although no specifics were provided during the work session).
Should SPS consider proposals to combine schools? If they’re considering combining under-enrolled schools, like Licton Springs K-8, with surrounding neighborhood schools (like Adams, Whittier, and Whitman), they wouldn’t be alone. While these conversations aren’t popular, proposals to examine opportunities for low-enrolled schools are happening nearby–Bellevue School District recently heard proposals to combine neighborhood schools with higher enrollment than some SPS schools. However, SPS appears to be going in the opposite direction: Northgate Elementary construction continues to provide space for 650 students, but the school’s current enrollment is only 189. Similarly, Montlake Elementary’s planned $64.8 million dollar construction project (still in its permitting phase) is planned to provide space for 500 students despite the school’s current enrollment of 181 and Stevens Elementary that sits 0.4 miles away with an enrollment of 169.
Whittier faces an enrollment challenge for next year–SPS’ current budget model requires Whittier enrollment to increase by 25 net students or we’ll face increased staffing challenges next year. Our School Board and District leaders face big decisions ahead; as a community, it’s vital we share our voice if we have an opinion on how SPS faces this budget reality. Share your voice by contacting our School Board Director, Lisa Rivera Smith (lisa.rivera.smith@seattleschools.org or 206-475-1817), provide feedback to SPS directly using the Let’s Talk tool, and attend and provide testimony at School Board meetings and budget work sessions. Key meeting dates to make an impact:
2/1-28: Community Information Sessions (details TBA)
Want to learn more? For an amazing overview from Principal Watters of how Whittier’s budgets and funding are structured, both year over year and in comparison to other SPS schools, we encourage you to watch this recording of last week’s Community Meeting (skip to 12:08 – 35:53). You can also contact Principal Watters with questions or join the conversation at our next PTA meeting.
Want to Join the PTA?
We’re recruiting the PTA’s board for the 2023-2024 school year! There are roles available across skills sets and time commitments. Help support Whittier in a real way! To learn more, contact volunteers@whittierptaseattle.org.
Can’t volunteer but still want to support the PTA? Become a member!
Advocacy In Action
The 2023 Legislative Session is in its 4th week where more than 1,000 bills have already been introduced. These bills cover critical issues including reducing gun violence and increasing access to special education. To follow the latest news, check out the WSPTA Blog for timely updates and bill tracking. Other ways to stay informed and get involved include:
Stay tuned for Focus on Advocacy Week 2/6-2/10 – look out for ways to take action on Konstella and Whittier PTA social media.
Connect with The Alliance for Gun Responsibility – their Legislative Session HQ has information on each bill and how you can use your voice to make a difference.
What the EDI Committee is thinking about this week!
Introducing….a new school-wide resource aimed at embedding EDI principles into the classroom year round! Rebellious Read Alouds by Vera Ahiyya.
Whittier staff are thrilled to be using the book Rebellious Read Alouds this year! It’s a compilation of picture book read alouds that are organized by different themes:
Our Names Are Important
Our Features Are Important
Our Disabilities Are Important
Our Families Are Important
Our Foods Are Important
Our Traditions Are Important
Our Identities Are Important
Our Histories Are Important
Our Actions Are Important
Within each theme, there are 5-6 picture books included that help teachers and students explore deeper conversations in age-appropriate and meaningful ways. These picture books feature characters that are diverse in many ways, and the texts are written and illustrated by people from traditionally marginalized groups. The books are a jumping off point for classrooms to learn, connect, and embrace the world we live in through rich conversations centered around these themes.
Reminder:
Friday, February 2 is a REGULAR school day (revision from earlier school calendars)
Help Whittier Build a Diverse Library Collection!
In order to continue building our collection of diverse books as well as those titles and series that our students love, we are partnering with Bound to Stay Bound Books in the “Support Our Library” program. Please consider donating a book to our library collection. You even have the option to add a donor plate and donate a book in honor of a child’s birthday, special occasion, or a staff member! All books will be shipped to our school processed and ready to be added to the shelves! The program will go through the end of May. Email Ms. Newcomb if you have any questions. This link will take you directly to the Whittier book wishlist. Thank you in advance for supporting our library!
Volunteer to be a Classroom Bucket Coordinator!
As part of our Spring Fling fundraising, each class puts together a themed gift bucket to be auctioned off in the silent auction. Themes can be anything…think cooking supplies, picnic fun, wine tasting and accessories, pet related themes, family game night, self care or spa day, sports themes, backyard BBQ and more!
Your job as the class volunteer is to pick a theme and solicit donations from your class to fill the bucket with fun items. You can collect items and/or money that you use to purchase items. The end result should be a fun bucket full of cool goods that someone will be dying to bid on to raise money for our Wildcats!
We need one volunteer per class to collect and deliver items and deliver by May 1, 2023. If you don’t feel like you are the person to make it all look put together, attractive and auction-ready don’t worry! We’ll help put it together for you! Sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0e44a8a729a0fac61-spring1#/
Covid Update: Please help us minimize the spread of Covid at Whitter by monitoring scholars for symptoms and testing at home, keeping scholars home if they are exhibiting symptoms or not feeling well, and practicing good hand hygiene and wear a mask if you’ve been exposed. Please contact Nurse Marissa if you or your scholar tests positive.
2023-2024 Enrollment Planning: SPS budget and enrollment planning starts in January. As part of Whittier’s planning, it would be helpful to learn about family’s plans for next year. Please take a moment to complete one survey for each scholar in your household. Also, if you know anyone planning to enroll at SPS or Whittier next year, recommend they register today.
Whitman Incoming Student Open House for 5th Grade Families: Tuesday, January 31 from 5:45-7:00pm at Whitman Middle School.
The Whittier PTA is excited to announce that After School Enrichment Programs are returning to Whittier! Please keep watch in the next couple of weeks for registration dates, and if you are able, please sign up for one of our volunteer positions below. Your help would be much appreciated.
Volunteer Positions Yet To Be Filled
Programs Assistant (1-2 hr/week): Assist Programs Chair with administrative work, correspond with vendors and families, alternate for club representatives in an emergency
Class Representative (Once weekly between 2:25-3:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, or Friday): Meet students on the black top immediately after school, take attendance and hand out snacks, take them to their classroom at 2:55 PM (These positions need to be filled before we can set a Programs start date)
Scholarships If you are interested in registering your child and would like to inquire about financial assistance, please email our Programs Chair, Jared, at programs@whittierptaseattle.org to learn about our scholarship opportunities.
Seeking Budget Committee Volunteers!
Have you ever wondered how the Whittier PTA budget is put together? Now is your chance! Starting in the February/March timeframe, a committee will convene to develop the 2023-24 PTA budget. No finance experience required, just a willingness to help. Time commitment is between 4-6 hours. Please email treasurer@whittierptaseattle.org for more information or if you are interested in signing up.
January’s Staff Appreciation: Hosted by 2nd Grade!
LET’S STOCK THE LOUNGE! Each month a different grade provides goodies for Staff Appreciation. 2nd Grade families are up for January – and we are stocking the lounge with snacks, treats and beverages to keep our staff FUELED for the New Year. Sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E44A8A729A0FAC61-january
Please drop off items to the office by 8am on Thursday, JAN. 19th and clearly label all items “Staff Appreciation 1/19.” Email hospitality@whittierptaseattle.org if you have any questions. Thank you!
Volunteer Needed: Ballard Food Bank Runner
We are seeking a volunteer to pick up food bags from the Ballard Food Bank and take them to the Front Office each Thursday between 8-10am. This role involves driving to the Food Bank, picking up the needed bags (as directed by the Front Office) and deliver to them to the Front Office for distribution. Please contact Tina (tina.lilley@gmail.com) if you’d like to know more or to sign-up!
PNW Parent Ed Presents The Emotional Lives of Teenagers: Raising Connected, Capable, & Compassionate Teens: a talk w/ Dr. Lisa Damour
Join PNW Parent Education (www.pnwparented.org) for a FREE online presentation titled “The Emotional Lives of Teenagers: Raising Connected, Capable and Compassionate Adolescents” with Dr. Lisa Damour, New York Times bestselling author of Untangled and Under Pressure. Tuesday, January 24, 2023 at 12:00 pm. Register via eventbrite: https://tinyurl.com/emotionallivesofteens
Seattle Special Education PTSA presents “Getting Results: A Guide to Special Education in Seattle Public Schools”
Written by PTSA volunteers and available in 10 languages, the Guide is an effort to demystify the special education system for families. To learn more about the guide and the Seattle Special Education PTSA, please visit: https://seattlespecialeducationptsa.org/
Reflections Art Contest Update
Congratulations to all of the students who participated in this year’s Reflections Arts program! This year’s theme was “Show Your Voice” and Whittier had 11 entries in three categories. We are thrilled to announce that fourth-grader Vivienne Robertson’s film, “The Bob Movie” will advance to the Washington State PTSA Reflections competition this spring! Student artwork will be on display at Whittier this spring and student finalists will be honored during a Seattle council PTSA virtual meeting on Thursday, 1/19 at 7:30 p.m! Students will be recognized at 7:30 p.m., but are welcome to join the meeting earlier if they’d like. Zoom info here: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/95320282464?pwd=dVFDbVhqNEFRdzdtRzlvTHdrckFLdz09
Congrats to Whittier filmmaker, Vivienne Robertson for advancing to the state round, and to all Wildcat artists for sharing your voice! You can view an online gallery of all student submissions here: https://scptsa.org/202223-reflections-gallery
Meeting Called to Order / Land Acknowledgment at7:05 PM
PRINCIPAL UPDATE
General
Took a moment to acknowledge this was a hard day for Seattle Public Schools. Sending solace to Ingraham community and all of those affected.
School update- we are doing great. We’ve hit our stride and kids are stretching themselves and have good curiosity. Kindergartners settled in and many other fantastic things happening.
Loved the fall festival. Thank you to Jess Tz for organizing.
Postponed the gratitude assembly because Ms. Steph is out and will get that rescheduled.
Ms. Trilby & Sarah Update:
Book Fair- Literacy Night. There will be folks reading aloud on the stage, a number of crafts, teachers there, and parents will be shopping upstairs for the book fair with Phinney Books. December 1st.
Need 4-5 parent volunteers to help unpack. As soon as school is out the book fair starts and literacy night begins at 5:30- 7:30. They will also have teacher wishlists so parents can purchase books for classrooms.
Emily Grosse will be helping with the crafts and contact her with questions. Shout out to the teachers to spend a bit of extra time after hours reading with
Ms. Jo has self published a few books and will be in attendance as well and may read one of her books.
Questions for Cindy:
Chocolate Milk: Sara L. asking about chocolate milk being served at breakfast per Culinary services requirement. Ms. Jo does not want to serve Chocolate milk at breakfast because there is too much sugar and culinary services is taking some disciplinary action against her. There is information in the Wildchat for how to support Ms. Jo.
Tricia wrote in and received a disappointing response from culinary services.
Cindy supports Jo and has deep regard for her integrity. Proud she’s a part of whittier- she has a passion for food justice and access to healthy foods.
Assistant Principal & Counselor: Tina asked if there are any updates on an assistant principal. Cindy said we’re not going to get one regardless of if we step in or not. SPS has no money to implement. It makes things bumpy and rocky but there should be a conversation about what is the minimum needed to run a school. If Cindy had a full time counselor, a AP would be less necessary.
We do need to have interventionists budgeted and PTA needs to pay for it. Funding allocation for the next school year comes out in February. Advocate for minimum of what schools should have.
At Whittier PTA pays for art and reading interventionist
Discretionary dollars is $40k which is about as much as we need for basic supplies.
We have Lauren, the counselor, 5 days a week in the morning from 7:30-10:45 and every other Wednesday she’s here all day.
How do kid’s utilize her? She’s going into classrooms and taking on big feelings days and working with families. She’s doing a lot. She rarely sits down. Her professional background is mostly as a social worker in a healthcare setting.
.
NOMCOM UPDATE
Don’t have NOM COM updates because Mendy isn’t sure what she’s supposed to be doing.
Leah will walk Mendy through what to do. In general, the task is to find out who from this year wants to fill a position for next year. Will make sure practices for reaching out are as equitable as possible.
Need a better way to get and keep a parent directory. For next year we should come up with some language for room reps to get emails for class. There could be something at Back to business or curriculum night.
Room reps are a really good entry point into involvement.
Could have a meeting over the summer to discuss what we should send to room reps. Sara Lukas is happy to spearhead that.
Kidmail folder paper to add contact info.- Jess and Ashley to create.
December 13th Meeting: in person or zoom? Folks are interested in- in person. Jess Templeton to host
BOARD UPDATE
Members at Large
I Sara Lukas, move to approve Kellie Pecoraro and Tina Lilley to serve on the PTA Board as members at large.
Courtney seconded.
PASSED.
REFLECTIONS ART CONTEST
Due this Thursday. Must include a digital record of the art piece as well. Not many submissions yet
TREASURER UPDATE
October budget report
Current balance $201,084
Annual Give $37k
Jogathon $21k
Expenses of note: Insurance, Tap Root Theatre assembly, supplies purchased for the school over the summer.
FUNDRAISING UPDATE
Annual Give Update:
Extending to 11/14 and trying to get to $90k. Currently at $75k
Will announce the seahawk ticket winners next week.
Is it a big concern if we don’t make our goal now? (Courtney) In the last few years we’ve been eating away at our reserve where expenses are outweighing fundraising.
Ultimately we need to decide what we want to fund next year. We don’t typically poll the community about where they want to see their dollars go until after the holidays.
CHAIR ROUND ROBIN
Advocacy- Emily Barbee
First, in light of what happened at Ingraham we want gun legislation advocacy to have a renewed focus at Whittier. Invite Everytown to come and talk to our PTA and give an information session. Tricia will spearhead and get a date on the calendar aligned with one of our regularly scheduled meetings. Will aim for January.
If anyone has other organizations to highlight let Emily and Tricia know.
The Washington State PTA voted on their top 5 legislative priorities
Addressing student mental heatlh crisis
Addressing critical gaps in education funding
Reducing gun violence
Special education and support
Maintaining safer schools
Renee asked what the action items are beyond advocacy. Emily will try to find out more.
Some PTAs donate $ to organizations which support these efforts.
Mendy asked if we’re allowed to lobby with legislators as the PTA.
Next month advocacy would like to talk about equity and fundraising.
Advocacy postcard at literacy night? Great idea. Emily will implement
Communications- Kate
Kate is traveling.
EDI- Susan
At the last EDI meeting members created a two year plan to track progress. Strategies:
Whittier is committed to being an anti-racist school
All families are able to be their authentic self
All families be able to know the system well enough to advocate for themselves
More to come at the next meeting.
They will talk to Kate about getting it up on the website and in the Wildchat.
Events- Courtney
Thanks to Tina, Jess Tzs and Laura for leading the fall festival.
Next is ice skating later in November. If we get more that 40 kids to show up will be $11 per kid.
1:30-2:30 on Tuesday the 22nd. Will firm up what it covers and communicate to kids.
Literacy Night Dec 1st
March- First fun Friday will be a family dance game night chaired by Michelle and Meg.
May- Spring Fling
Hospitality- Kathleen and Emily
First fun Fridays- gratitude and chalk
Will be on the blacktop this year
Third Thursdays- October staff appreciation breakfast went really well.
November- hardi lunch hosted by 4th graders
December- Cookie bar provided by 3rd graders
Going through coffee like crazy. Trying to get the numbers correct and aksing for classes to donate.
Outreach- Sara
Haven’t done much recently but thinking about events that we’re already doing more welcoming and outreach oriented.
For Literacy night we want to make it obvious that it’s a PTA event and recruit people that we would not otherwise reach.
Also thinking about doing some kind of coffee meetup -do you want to get involved with being on the board? Morning or evening? Will be after the first of the year.
We should have a PTA table at all events.
What is the plan for Helping Hands this year? They asked about this at our principal check in. It is a gift card collection drive for families in need in the Whittier community.
Target, Fred Meyer, Safeway and the goal is between $1-$2k in gift cards.
Volunteers- Mendy
Mr. Collins does not have a room rep. Kathleen and Courtney will reach out to Natalie.
Amazon wish lists and teacher surveys. Mendy has them and will send out to room parents.
Tina populated the room parent email so all room parents will receive.
Mendy also has a master volunteering list for anyone who needs it.
Next year at first meeting we should have more training for each of the board positions.
11/15- Special Ed PTSA: Kids Do Well if They Can
12/1- Book fair/ Literacy Night
12/2- First Friday
12/8- EDI FOCS follow-up
12/13 Board Meeting
12/15 EDI Meeting
1/10 Board Meeting
1/17 Community Meeting
Q&A AND LOOKING AHEAD
Gifts for staff members- Need to have more of a conversation about how we do gifts for staff if we group together again. Mendy will send language to room parents.
Between 12/12-12/16, check the Lost & Found (on racks in the main hallway) and find those hats, gloves, scarves, and lunchboxes (!) that have gotten away!
3rd grade’s Staff Appreciation is on 12/15; please drop-off donations before 8am!
12/15 is Ms. Jo Day! Please bring notes of appreciation to say farewell to Ms. Jo!
12/16 is early dismissal (at 1:25pm)
After School Programs survey closes on 12/17
During the break, join Konstella (if you haven’t already), join your Wildcat’s classroom, and add the PTA events calendar (through Konstella or Google Calendar) so you’re in the know when school resumes
Next Steps: Addressing and Combatting Gun Violence in Schools
Our community was deeply saddened and scared by the recent gun violence happening within our local schools. The Whittier PTA wanted to reach out to our Whittier community to help then understand what they can do to support safety around firearms and support Moms Demand Action/ Everytown for Gun Safety. At next month’s Town Hall, guest speakers from the Be SMART campaign will lead a conversation about kids, guns, and safety and is designed to help parents and other adults prevent child gun deaths and injuries – whether they own guns or not.
Thank You, Ms. Jo!
Our AMAZING Ms. Jo is retiring from her position in our cafeteria and her last day is next Friday, December 16. She has served the Whittier community for several years and touched the lives of so many of our scholars, families and staff.To honor her incredible work and commitment to children, food justice and creating a warm and welcoming space for everyone, we will celebrate Ms. Jo Day this Thursday, December 15! We would like to invite scholars and families to write notes of thanks and appreciation to Ms. Jo.
Additionally, we have set up a custom donation page in partnership with the Ballard Food Bank to honor Ms. Jo’s strong belief that all people deserve access to safe and healthy food. Ms. Jo is a model to all of us for what it means to fight for food justice. If you would like to contribute to our celebration of Ms. Jo, donations can be made directly to the Ballard Food Bank using this link. https://bit.ly/3Hov3ly
Thank you for being such a special part of the Whittier community, Ms. Jo!
After School Programs Survey
Hello Wildcat Families! We have great news! After School Enrichment Programs will be returning to Whittier! Your PTA is busily getting everything in order, but before vendors are secured, we wanted to give you the opportunity to let us know what programs would best fit your needs. Please take a moment to take this survey and choose two clubs that you would be most interested in: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSej9MKQKo9Ql_mF5TE0Q1Y-QizngK-ezxO-86avqfv1tKnhzw/viewform
The survey will close on Saturday December 17th.
Although we cannot guarantee that all vendors will be available, we will do our best to offer clubs that most closely fit everyone’s preferences. Price and frequency have yet to be determined.
Calling All 3rd Grade Families!
Cookies, Cookies and MORE Cookies! Each month a different grade provides goodies for Staff Appreciation. 3rd Grade families are up for December – and we are setting up a festive cookie buffet. SIGN UP HERE: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E44A8A729A0FAC61-december
Please drop off items to the office by 8am on Thursday, Dec. 15th. Please clearly label all items “Staff Appreciation 12/15.” It would be helpful to label the cookie variety, especially if GF/V/DF. Email hospitality@whittierptaseattle.org if you have any questions.
Thank you, HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
Have a gift card to submit for the Helping Hands Drive? Drop it off at the Front Office tomorrow morning and we’ll work to get it included in our holiday distribution.
What the EDI Committee is thinking about this week!
Advocacy and Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion at Whittier
Advocacy: Our goal is to bring you timely opportunities to support policies that improve the quality of our children’s health, welfare, safety, and education. We want to make it super easy for you to advocate for EVERY child and make our voices heard collectively. Want to get started?
Why get involved? If not YOU, then WHO? Our students deserve to learn in the most inclusive environment possible and be a part of a community working for equity.
Who can join? Any caregiver of a Whittier student-no experience necessary!
EDI Committee GOALS for this year:
Whittier is Committed to being an anti-racist community.
Whittier is a community where ALL children and families are supported to be their authentic selves
All families know the system well enough to navigate and advocate for their children’s needs.
Want to make an impact in the community? Consider supporting these businesses and organizations this holiday season!
Play a vital role in ensuring an inclusive school environment where all are valued, included, and empowered to succeed.Piloted last year, we are expanding the affinity groups offered based on community feedback. Help us get these started by completing this 1 minute survey.
Reflections Art Contest Update
Congratulations to all of the students who participated in this year’s Reflections Arts program! This year’s theme was “Show Your Voice” and Whittier had 11 entries in three categories. We are thrilled to announce that fourth-grader Vivienne Robertson’s film, “The Bob Movie” will advance to the Washington State PTSA Reflections competition this spring! Keep an eye out in January for a link to an online gallery of all student submissions. Student artwork will be on display at Whittier this spring. Congratulations, Vivienne! And huge round of applause for all of our young artists for sharing your courageous creativity! Read more about this year’s entries from Whittier students here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1TOKA4eEPcAi5zdhyxtfndRjBOG7oJ_Bq/view?usp=sharing
Spring Lacrosse Registration is open!
Props Lacrosse is open to all grades 3-8 in the Ballard/ Ingraham/ Nathan Hale catchment zones for recreational lacrosse for the Spring 2023 Season. We welcome all players but adhere to the boys’ rules & equipment. We are a volunteer run rec-program that is committed to being a supportive environment for all our boys. Our emphasis is on good sportsmanship, effort and fun. All new and returning players are welcome. No prior experience necessary, regardless of age. We offer financial aid for the program which can include dues/ uniform and loaner equipment for first time players. We are committed to making sure any boys who want to play with us have the opportunity.
Lacrosse is one of the fastest growing sports in America, and Seattle. It is a great sport from a young age, physical contact is limited to age-appropriate levels throughout the program. The sport involves running, agility and hand-eye coordination. It’s very exciting to watch and play! Practices start in February and are twice a week at Whitman Middle School or Loyal Heights Playfield. Games begin in March on Saturdays. Registration is open until practices begin. For more information, please visit the club page: http://www.propslacrosse.org/
If you have any questions about our lacrosse program, please feel free to reach out to the club directly via email (propslacrosse@outlook.com) or inquire in the ‘contact’ page on our website.
Holiday Happenings
For Wildcats wanting to get into the festive spirit:
Ms. Julia and her band Warren Dunes are throwing a holiday party that is free and all ages at the West Seattle Easy Street Record store (4559 California Ave SW) on December 23rd at 5pm!! The Night Before Christmas will be read aloud, Christmas music, and other fun things! Learn more: https://www.instagram.com/p/ClogtSPOypE/
December’s breakfast offerings are $2.25 and lunch offerings are $3.25. An a la carte menu is also available throughout the year. For more nutrition information and breakfast menus, please view menus at: https://family.titank12.com/menu/LPX5UV
Meeting Called to Order / Land Acknowledgment at7:05 PM
PRINCIPAL UPDATE
General
Grateful for the strong launch. a lot of fun at the move-a-thon and feels like we have a strong connection with families, especially after a wonky start.
Week 4 of school. Kids are getting into their routines. Continuing to have lunch outside for half the scholars.
Activities
Looking forward to the Taproot Theater Company coming to perform a play this week.
Trying to do many events at school because transportation costs are prohibitive. $250 for school bus and charter is $350/ hour.
Other events- 5th avenue theater coming in april. Talking to the opera for bilingual opera
What about inclusivity for these activities? Two assemblies to limit the number of scholars and make it more accessible for all. Massive monkeys will provide a smaller interaction for specialist groups.
PTA support and how that impacts the school
As a tier 4 school we are funded at a lower rate than a tier 1 school. Perceived needs of the school is different. This year our nurse was reduced from 2 full days to 1.5 days and staff decided to use discretionary dollars to fund the other half day of nurse.
PTA funds a .5 of a specialist so all kids have specialist time every day.
Our kids need reading support which is the bulk of what Cindy asks the PTA to pay for. Whittier also has a grant for reading support
Our PTA will fund Amazon classroom wish lists and other school needs. The PTA is a backup.
Leah- This is also so our teachers have a full time job which is why we try to get all of our specialists to full time or full days.
Questions:
Can we make this information viewable for all families? Glenda Ellen
Kellie P. answered that we typically make recordings available for families to view the meeting.
What is the max enrollment for Whittier? Lauren Carey
Right size enrollment is about 65-75 per grade level which is about 3 classes per grade.
There’s a new social worker, Ms. Lauren, who is at our school 7:30-11 in the morning and then drives to Magnolia for the afternoon. Next ask would be for a full time social worker. Cindy has enough work for (2) full time social workers.
Whittier tries to be super good stewards of all PTA money. Have recently purchased resources for spelling in 3-5th grade and a book series with full curriculum for diversity.
Advocacy- SPS needs to send a minimum a school needs to operate. For example, this year Whittier doesn’t have an AP and should. Then secured Special Ed staffing sept 6th and more IAP staffing (56 kids require IAPs). This should have triggered an AP. Would be extremely helpful to have a minimum amount of funding to resolve issues such as these.
Calendar Updates
The revised calendar has come out and is being voted on tomorrow by the Board. Whittier is not adjusting end of year celebrations, which will occur the week(s) before school gets out. Such as field day, 5th grade promotion and 5th grade
Overview of Building Leadership Team (BLT)– governing body for the school. Meets once a month and talks about school improvement plan, conference schedule, things that need to be voted on contractually, school wide things that are happening, forum for staff input. Collaborative team.
Volunteer training– Everyone please go through it so when something comes up you can do it.
Board Updates: Vote to appoint Co-Secretaries Jared Cortese and Jess Templeton
New Website: subscribe to calendar. Also has the lunch menu and link to Whittier spirit gear.
Teacher’s lounge Makeover: Rallied around sourcing from buy nothing/ Amazon wishlist. Teachers have been so appreciative of it. They actually meet there and eat lunch there and it’s fostered more camaraderie.
Wildcat Spirit Fence: Something that Cindy asked for last summer.
Reflections Art Contest: Nationwide contest. We need someone who can drive this this year. It is all set up but it needs a champion who can organize, then a couple of people who can review submissions.
Have many different categories students could choose from.
Champion would work with Cindy and the office to get the word out.
VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR UPDATE
Running Volunteer List: Folks that put their names on it at back to business and curriculum nights
Encourage reaching out to others who may be interested.
If you need volunteers Mendy can send names to you.
Mr. Province’s class does not have a room parent. Help find one!
For special education classes it is different this year. Previously there have not been room parents in these classrooms but are trying to best represent and include these classrooms.
Focus and Access are programs and there is a resource classroom. Really depends on the needs of the students and kids. Provides more support for kids that have IAPs and 504 plans.
Cindy has provided a presentation in the past about these programs which may be more helpful. Access to specialists is a big deal.
Ask Cindy to present this slide show at the next meeting.
Room reps allows for representation of these classrooms.
Current Needs:
Reflections art program
Programs chair
Co-President
VP
email volunteer to be put on the list to volunteer or for any other inquiries
Nominating Committee Update: This is a committee that identifies folks for positions next year. This is a formal committee and will be voted on at the end of the meeting. This committee recommends who will be next year’s Executive Board. The Community will vote in next year’s PTA board in May of this year.
Proposed Members: Susan Hernandez, Courtney Sievers, Mendy Minjarez, Joa Pope
TREASURER REPORT
September Budget Reports: $166k in the bank, and we get our money from the fundraisers. A big piece of fundraising is employer matching. Also get passive funding from Amazon Smile, etc.
To date we have income trickling in from annual give and move- a -thon.
Expenses year to date: Insurance processed, quickbooks account, kindergarten pizza party, EDI training for Board members and staff, putting on an assembly later this week.
Proposed updates for 2022-23 budget
This is to right size our budget that need to be added back into our budget post covid.
Update Whittier Support Grant to cover Q4 2021-22 and Q1-3 of 2022-23= $77,299.67
Increase Outreach budget by $710 for incoming Kindergarten pizza event
Increase staff appreciation by $1000 for staff lounge updates
Increase web hosting $20
Increase Konstella budget $350
Increase President’s budget for zoom by $200
Increase hospitality budget by $200
Increase awards budget by $100 to cover plaque/ engraving costs
Total Expenses increase by $4,679.
Lauren Carey asked a question about EDI budget training. It is one of the largest budget items at $4500. There is still $2000 left to spend. Lauren asking if any of the EDI money is restricted.
Process for Money to come out- need invoice to write a check or executed contract.
FUNDRAISING UPDATE (Ashley)
Annual give has 44 donations with a total of 14k so far
Move-a-thon $21k
Goal is $90k between the two.
Support Whittier PTA while you shop
Amazon smile and Fred Meyer
FALL FESTIVAL (Tiina)
Friday, October 28th from 4:30-7
No tickets necessary, just show up
Games and activities: pumpkin decorating, apple toss, face painting, candy corn toss, pumpkin run, cake walk and photo booth.
Move inside after dark for the Monster Mash DJ’d by Ms. Steph
Costumes are welcome but not required
Inclusive because it is more relaxed.
Will have some food available for sale: Corn dog combo, Popcorn & Cotton Candy machine
Not meant to be a fundraiser, meant to be a net zero event. Going to make money back by food purchase and a raffle.
VOTES:
Executive Committee:
Leah moved to approve the following:
We, the Whittier General Membership, approve Secretaries, Jared Cortese & Jess Templeton to serve on the PTA Executive Committee for 2022-23.
Renee Seconded the motion.
Passed
2022-23 Budget:
Courtney Sievers, moved to approve the revisions to the 22-23 Whittier PTA budget revisions
Jared seconded the motion.
Passed
Nominating Committee:
Kate moved to approve the individuals listed for the Nom Comm
Anna seconded the motion
Passed
Approval of Standing Rules to include
Leah Motioned to approve.
Courtney Seconded
4.4 Addition of member at large position to the Board
6.2 Updates to fiscal year budgets.
Passed
EDI UPDATE
Melissa O’Keefe & Emily Barbee
Focus this year: community education, engagement, communication and advocacy
Will have an EDI section in the Wildchat every issue.
Currently reviewing an equity assessment that was done a few years ago for the PTA and we will be implementing this year.
CHAIR UPDATES
Communications: Join Konstella & grade-level FB group
Advocacy: Megan Going to the legislative assembly this weekend and will meet up with nearby elementary and middle schools
Working on getting legislators and school board members to visit the PTA throughout the year
Supporting the work of the EDI committee
Outreach (Sarah Lukas): Going to host a kindergarten coffee date soon
Events (Emily Grosse): First fridays. Behind the scenes is third Thursday staff appreciation. Thank you to 5th grade parents for contributing to this month.
Membership: We are at a total of 109 PTA members, 4 staff for a total of 113.
To have afterschool programming we need a chair. If interested, reach out to Kate or Mendy.
